Issue: December 2018
October 19, 2018
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Myopia is risk factor for multiple tears during evolution of PVD

Issue: December 2018
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Multiple retinal tears occurring during the evolution of posterior vitreous detachment are more frequently observed in myopic patients, are symptomatic and are correlated with increased rate of retinal detachment, according to a study.

Perspective from Brad Sutton, OD, FAAO

Previous retinal tear or retinal detachment in the fellow eye was also shown to be a predisposing factor.

Retinal tears might occur at different times during the evolution of incomplete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). In a retrospective series of 176 eyes of 158 patients, the predisposing risk factors for their occurrence were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included eyes where retinal tears appeared only at the initial examination, and group 2 included eyes where further retinal tears were observed during the follow up. This second group represented 12.5% of the entire cohort. Reported symptoms were floaters, floaters with flashes, flashes alone and loss of visual acuity.

A clear and significant correlation was found with myopia, which was present in in 86.4% of the patients in group 2. A history of retinal tear or retinal detachment in the fellow eye was found in 31.8% of the patients in this group as compared with 17.2% of the patients in group 1. After initial laser treatment, retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage occurred in 36.4% of the patients in this group as compared with 9.7% in group 1.

Retinal tears are commonly occurring within 2 to 6 weeks following the initial symptoms of PVD. In this study, 81.8% of subsequent retinal tears occurred within 4 months following the first diagnosed retinal tear; 90.9% occurred within 1 year and only two cases occurred later.

“PVD needs a close follow-up for at least 4 months after initial symptoms and/or diagnosis, especially in myopic patients and in those with a history of retinal detachment or retinal tear in the fellow eye,” the authors concluded. – by Michela Cimberle

Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.